By Etastsemi Onoriode
Sapele: The president of the Sapele Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, Prince David Iweta, has commended the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, Judiciary and other Agencies of the Federal Government present in Sapele, Delta State for their contributions in promoting peace, protecting lives and properties and development in the area.
The chambers president made this commendation during the 56th Annual General meeting held at Peemos Hotel, Sapele revealed that the chambers of commerce, industry mines and Agriculture has contributed immensely to the economic growth of the Sapele Business Community over the years, and reminded those present at the event of the batten of leadership that is about to change hands amongst them for a greater Sapele chamber of commerce and Sapele business community at large.
The president added further that the Sapele Chambers of Commerce Mine, agriculture and industry is one of the oldest cities chambers of commerce in Nigeria and the most active and vibrant at the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) with up to date in its financial obligations to the National body.
Prince Iweta noted that Sapele Chamber of Commerce is the first Chamber of Commerce in the old Midwest region and the entire South-South region to produce the first National President of NACCIMA in the person of Olorogun Chief Matthew O. Origbo and at the verge of producing another National President by the next 6 – 12 years.
The president however lamented that Sapele, a city which history recorded was the 2nd Urban city in Nigeria next to Lagos as in gazette of the Township ordinance Act of 1927 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a city formerly referred and called “COSMOPOLITAN CITY” “is now highly regrettable that this great city with its proud people is not measuring up to occupying her place amongst the comity of cities owing to several reasons that will make her now be best described as “FAILING CITY” which could be ascribed to the non collective vision and focus of the owners of the Sapele Okpe Community to ensuring that Sapele is on the path of sustainable economic and industrial growth”.
He also bemoaned the absence of local and state government in Sapele/Okpe Community but with more noticeable presence of the Federal Government and here agencies as represented by the Nigeria Army, Nigerian Police, Customs Immigration etc.
The chamber president who read his address in the presence of the Sapele Council boss, Hon. Ejaife Odebala, also pointed at some pitiable areas in Sapele which he termed “embarrassing bottle necks created by the Amukpe and Okirigwhre markets where activities of traders are on major roads from the chops and stores provided by the government,”
He added that “the arm of government whose duties it is to bring sanity to this menace has turned a BLIND EYE or causes, the most infuriating aspect of them all is SAPELE MAIN MARKET and the Market Road”. There is no more Market Road in Sapele and there is no main market in Sapele such that private residential homes are now converted to markets” – adding that Sapele which was a beehive of activities at night where people move freely from 6.00pm – 6.00am has evaporated over time.
Mrs. Akpomejevwe Judith Nwuchukwn, Chief G. Ofotokun, Mr. Ikeme and others a member of the body who moderated the event appealed to all and sundry in Sapele community to put hands on deck to move Sapele Community forward.
The 56th AGM of the Sapele Chamber of Commerce agriculture and industry which featured business men and women, captain of industries, entrepreneurs, also featured a keynote address delivered by Mr. Dumebi Ohanwusi, Head Dealer Solid Rock Securities and Investment Plc on the topic “Developments and Opportunities in the Nigerian Capital Market – What is in it for us?”.
